Walmart to Temporarily Stop 24-Hour Operation

Walmart stores will not be open 24 hours each day until further notice. 

In a statement, Danoca Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Walmart, praised employees for their hard work during this period when many are stocking up on supplies for their homes. 

People have been depleting some stores of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and food in case they are asked stay home by state or local governments, or if they have to self-quarantine due to illness. Others are stocking up because schools have dismissed as a safety precaution. 

Smith said beginning Sunday, 24-hour stores will be open from 6 am until 11 pm. This will allow associates to restock their inventory and properly clean the stores during the overnight period. Stores that have been using reduced hours will keep their current schedules.

The change should not affect hours for store employees, and supply chain workers and truckers will continue on their regular schedules. 

Signs have been posted at entrances of several local stores to notify customer of the change. 


Here is Smith's complete statement:

March 14, 2020
By Dacona Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Walmart U.S.

I could not be prouder of our associates and what they continue to accomplish for our customers. I don’t think any of us have been through an experience like this, and we continue to be amazed at what our people, whether in the stores or in the supply chain, are doing to make sure customers have what they need.

To better support our associates and serve our customers, we will adjust our operating hours beginning Sunday, March 15. Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until further notice. This will help ensure associates are able to stock the products our customers are looking for and to perform cleaning and sanitizing. Stores currently operating under more reduced hours (for example they regularly close at 10 p.m. or open at 7 a.m.) will keep their current hours of operation.

As we make this change, associates will continue to work the hours and shifts they are scheduled, and our supply chain and trucking fleet will continue to move products and deliver to stores on their regular schedules. As a reminder, we have a temporary COVID-19 emergency leave policy to support associates at this unprecedented time.

To our associates, thank you for your incredible work during this time. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but your entire Walmart family is so proud of what you are doing and the important difference you are making, both for your neighbors and for your country.